Laterally Stretched Flap With Connective Tissue Graft to Treat Single Narrow Deep Recession Defects on Lower Incisors

Gingival recession (GR) is one of the most common esthetic concerns for patients, and several surgical procedures have been developed for its treatment. It has been widely demonstrated that root coverage of shallow Miller class I and II areas of gingival recession is generally predictable, but the treatment of deep recessions associated with lack of attached keratinized tissue remains a challenge even for skilled surgeons. Although this type of recessions can be treated with tunneling procedures, because of their size, covering the connective tissue grafts (CTGs) with displaced flaps provide better graft nutrition and improve the outcome. The purpose of this case series is to present an alternative treatment to the traditional laterally displaced flap and tunneling techniques used for deep narrow recessions: The "laterally stretched flap" (LSF) with CTG.

Five healthy patients with isolated Miller Class II narrow deep gingival recessions were included in the case series. All the defects were treated with LSF and CTG. Complete root coverage (CRC) was achieved in 80% of the cases (4/5). Keratinized tissue increase was obtained in all the cases. The follow-up was between one and three years.

Within the limitations of this case series, LSF + CTG demonstrated to be a promising technique for the treatment of narrow deep recessions. The lack of vertical incisions and an envelope approach renders a more stable wound with minimal scar formation and patient discomfort.